Carole Ann Duffy is new Poet Laureate
May 1st, 2009
Openly lesbian poet Carole Ann Duffy has been appointed the new Poet Laureate. She is the first woman to hold the role in the 341-year history of the post.
Duffy is one of the best known poets in the UK, and her work has been a part of the school syllabus of England and Wales since 1994. She was awarded an OBE in 1995, and a CBE in 2002.
The position of Poet Laureate is appointed by the Queen, on government advice. Duffy was a serious contender for the position in 1999, but the position went instead to Andrew Motion, allegedly because Tony Blair was nervous about how middle England would react to a lesbian holding the post.
As Poet Laureate, Duffy will write poems to commemorate major state occasions and royal events.
Duffy had previously expressed scepticism about the job, saying “I will not write a poem for Edward and Sophie. No self-respecting poet should have to.” But in more recent years Duffy made it clear that she welcomes the opportunities the role gives to broaden poetry’s reach.
It fascinates me that she’s so often referred to as a lesbian, but as bisexual in some places, and never as both. She’s claimed both labels, as far as I know, and isn’t the only one to do so.
Personally, if we have to support the monarchy by taking up such posts, I am glad that the new Poet Laureate is a queer woman. Brava!
k ∼ May 20th, 2009 12:58 pm